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AXP vs. UPST: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated

Here’s a clear look at AXP and UPST, comparing key factors like performance, valuation metrics, dividends, and financial strength. It’s built for investors or anyone curious to see how these two stocks match up.

Company Overview

AXP dwarfs UPST in market cap, clocking in at 200.37 billion USD—about 47.95 times the 4.18 billion USD of its counterpart.

UPST dances to a riskier tune, sporting a beta of 2.39, while AXP keeps it calmer at 1.24.

SymbolAXPUPST
Company NameAmerican Express CompanyUpstart Holdings, Inc.
CountryUSUS
SectorFinancial ServicesFinancial Services
IndustryFinancial - Credit ServicesFinancial - Credit Services
CEOMr. Stephen Joseph SqueriMr. David J. Girouard
Price286 USD43.92 USD
Market Cap200.37 billion USD4.18 billion USD
Beta1.2392.389
ExchangeNYSENASDAQ
IPO DateJune 1, 1972December 16, 2020
ADRNoNo

Performance Comparison

This chart compares the performance of AXP and UPST over the past year by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each (starting one year ago).

Hover over the lines to see the investment’s value and total return (%) at specific dates.

Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

Valuation Metrics Comparison

The section examines key financial ratios to assess the valuation of AXP and UPST based on earnings, cash flow, sales, and book value. Pay attention to the following notable points where extreme values stand out.

  • UPST shows a negative P/E of -62.33, highlighting a year of losses with no net profit generated. Meanwhile, AXP at 19.51 has sustained positive earnings, offering a more stable earnings foundation.
  • UPST has a negative Forward PEG of -1.99, suggesting analysts predict either a drop in earnings or no profits at all in the near future—a red flag for its growth trajectory. Meanwhile, AXP at 1.83 avoids such a pessimistic forecast.
SymbolAXPUPST
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E, TTM)19.51-62.33
Forward PEG Ratio (TTM)1.83-1.99
Price-to-Sales Ratio (P/S, TTM)2.665.79
Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B, TTM)6.436.12
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (P/FCF, TTM)17.7139.49
EV-to-EBITDA (TTM)13.57-87.29
EV-to-Sales (TTM)2.676.87
EV-to-Free Cash Flow (TTM)17.7446.83

Dividend Comparison

AXP’s 1.02% yield offers steady income while retaining earnings for growth, unlike UPST, which pays none, reinvesting fully—likely in expansion or R&D—for investors eyeing future gains. This pits AXP’s balanced approach against UPST’s long-term focus.

SymbolAXPUPST
Dividend Yield (TTM)1.02%0.00%

Financial Strength Metrics Comparison

This section dives into the financial resilience of AXP and UPST, spotlighting key metrics like liquidity, leverage, and debt coverage. Check out the standout observations below where notable differences or extremes pop up.

  • AXP posts a current ratio of 0.32 under 1, where current assets fall short of covering short-term debts—manageable perhaps with solid cash inflows. Compare that to UPST, sitting at 4.06, where liabilities are comfortably met.
  • AXP’s quick ratio sits at 0.32 below 0.8, leaving its cash and near-cash assets shy of short-term obligations—potentially a stretch without extra funds. Meanwhile, UPST lands at 4.06, with enough liquidity to spare.
  • UPST’s -2.43 sits under 1.5, where earnings hug interest costs too closely—a squeeze if income dips. Meanwhile, AXP at 1.59 has room to breathe.
SymbolAXPUPST
Current Ratio (TTM)0.324.06
Quick Ratio (TTM)0.324.06
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (TTM)1.692.04
Debt-to-Assets Ratio (TTM)0.190.60
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)1.59-2.43